Hailing from Bunn, North Carolina, a rural town 30 miles east of Raleigh, Lance Williams has been running with the Pack ever since his legs could carry him. Beginning at age seven, Williams was one of thousands of students impacted by 4-H Youth Development, a national program operated in the state through NC State Extension. 

Attending 4-H conferences as a teenager introduced him to NC State’s campus. When it came time to choose a university, as a first-generation college student, NC State was the obvious — and only — choice.

Williams’ experience in 4-H inspired him to pursue agricultural science as his major. The program’s emphasis on leadership development and sharing academic knowledge with communities, particularly rural ones, aligned with his desire to give back.

“Meeting rural communities where they are is really important,” he said. “Extending university knowledge is one of the biggest missions of NC State as a land-grant institution.”

His passion for community outreach and service made Williams the ideal student for the Park Scholarships program. The program, which is in its 30th year, brings together students who want to lead, take risks, serve their communities and operate with integrity in everything they do. 

“Being a first-generation college student, I had no idea what I was getting into.”

When Williams reflects on his undergraduate experience, it’s the Park Scholarships program that stands out. He was encouraged by having a built-in cohort of 40 peers when he began college, knowing there was a dedicated space where he was welcomed and supported.

“I still remember that retreat freshman year right before school started. Being a first-generation college student, I had no idea what I was getting into,” he said.

What he was getting into was every opportunity and experience that aligned with his passions and goals. During his time here, Williams has been involved with student government as a senator and as student body treasurer. He has remained committed to rural outreach and has served as the Franklin County Extension Advisory Leadership Council Chair and worked in the 4-H State Office.

This is alongside his many other involvements including being a CALS Ambassador, Agriculture and Human Sciences Ambassador, a Chancellor’s Aide, and a student advisor for Agriculture Future of America, a nonprofit based in Kansas City. 

His commitment to service is evident in his academics and outside of them. “It’s important to me that I take these opportunities during my short amount of time here,” he said. “These experiences have taught me the core values and lessons I’ll need in my career.” 

“I feel empowered to take risks.”

Williams says that funding from the Park Scholarships program makes these opportunities accessible for him. The funds relieved the stress of financially navigating his education, allowing him to pursue exciting experiences. 

“I feel empowered to take risks,” he said. “I am not necessarily looking to be paid for what I do, so I can focus on finding the most impactful opportunities.”

The risks paid off. Williams graduated this month with a degree in agricultural science. He plans to step back onto the bricks of campus this spring to complete a Master’s of Science in Agricultural Education and Human Sciences. 

“If you leave this place [with only] your degree, then you haven’t gotten your full experience out of NC State.”

Looking back at what he has achieved, Williams advises those just beginning their journey to take advantage of every opportunity.

“If you leave this place and the only thing you’re taking with you is a paper, your degree, then you haven’t gotten your full experience out of NC State.”

It’s clear that Williams is taking far more than a piece of paper with him. His education and experience has informed his career path and, as a forever 4-H’er, Williams intends to work for the cooperative extension system – in the same program that brought him where he is today.

There could not be a better career path for someone so committed to service. But Williams would put it more simply; he loves being a part of the Wolfpack. He never wants to be anything else.